College & University

Famous University Of Texas Alums

The University of Texas at Austin is considered a public ivy university, and it a highly respected academic institution. In addition to producing successful academics, researchers, scientists, writers, businesspeople, and lawyers, the University of Texas has given degrees to some well-known individuals over the years. Although many of these people were not famous when they attended college, the University of Texas gave them a strong academic foundation so that they could deal with the challenges of all their future endeavors.

Many famous actors and directions graduated from the University of Texas. Director Wes Anderson, who received an Academy Award nomination for The Royal Tenenbaums, graduated from UT in Austin in 1990. In The Royal Tenenbaums, Wes Anderson cast another famous UT grad in the role of Eli Cash. This role was played by actor Owen Wilson. In addition to these celebrities, Matthew McConaughey, often considered one of the most attractive actors of the current day, graduated in 1993. This UT grad has starred in many films, including The Wedding Planner, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, and Failure to Launch. Rene Zellweger, who won an Academy Award for her performance in Cold Mountain, graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in English. She did take one class in drama during her undergraduate career, which might have influenced her career path. These are just a few of the more well-known stars of the screen to have graduated from the University of Texas. Many other directors and actors once attended this Texas institution.

Some notable political figures have also attended University of Texas at Austin. Former first lady Laura Bush and her daughter Jenna Bush both graduated from this state institution, as did former first lady Lady Bird Johnson. The University of Texas is the alma mater of three different governors as well: Dolph Briscoe, Jeb Bush, and John B Connally. Five senators also graduated from UT at Austin: Lloyd Bentsen, Tom Connally, Kay Bailey Hutchison, Earle Bradford Mayfield, and Ralph Yarborough. Many other state and local officials took their first political science classes at UT at Austin, and learned the necessity of public service there.

In addition to celebrities and politicians, the University of Texas has produced many notable individuals who are well known for their accomplishments. Olympic champion Mary Lou Retton attended UT at Austin. Janis Joplin attended UT, but did not graduate. John Maxwell Coetzee, Nobel Prize winning author of Disgrace, received his PhD from the University of Texas in 1968. Paul Begala, former host of the CNN news show Crossfire, received both his B.A. and his J.D. from UT. These are just a few of the remarkable individuals who have graduated from the University of Texas. With a student population of over 50,000, it is certain that the University of Texas will produce even more famous individuals in the years to come.

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